How Crystal Palace & the WICB came to be – with David Last & Terry Doherty – Ep. 120

By Sam Neter on April 27, 2025

For episode 120 of the Hoopsfix Podcast we sit down with legends of the game David Last and Terry Doherty, the masterminds behind Crystal Palace basketball club.

Crystal Palace, one of the most successful clubs in the UK through the 1970’s and 80’s, were known for being one of the first programs to have a fully integrated pathway from juniors through to seniors, being responsible for a number of top English talents.

In this long-form conversation we go into the history of the club, and also the founding of the World Invitational Club Basketball (WICB) Championships – one of the top international club tournaments that has existed.

We discuss the club’s history, including its establishment in 1966, the formation of pathways for junior to senior players, and its pivotal role in British basketball. The conversation highlights the impact of the Cinzano sponsorship, the landmark WICB Tournament, which brought international acclaim, and the evolution of British basketball.

The pair share anecdotes about legendary players like Alton Byrd and Jimmy Guymon, the introduction of the three-point line, and the cultural significance of basketball in the UK.

The discussion also touches on the potential re-emergence of Crystal Palace – which is due to undergo a £15million refurbishment and reflects on how the WICB helped propel the sport’s popularity in Britain.

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